What should I pack?

During November, the temperatures in the Eastern Caribbean typically vary between a a low of 75 degrees and a high of 90 degrees. Since some of our activities will be taking place outdoors, there is always the chance of it being windy, cool or even a little wet. So we suggest bringing some warmer clothing and light rain gear just to be on the safe side. Be sure to bring your cameras, batteries and chargers, and enough film or memory cards to capture the entire event. And don’t forget the sunscreen and lip balm!

 

Other than that, it is suggested that you bring along lightweight, “resort casual” clothing — a few swimsuits, flip-flops, sandals or deck shoes for around the pool area, sneakers, walking shoes or hiking boots for shore trips, etc. If you like to exercise or participate in sports, bring any fitness clothing and footwear you may need.

 

For most evenings, resort casual is appropriate. However, t-shirts, shorts, and/or bare feet are not permitted in the formal dining rooms after 6:00pm. Cocktail dresses for women and suits or jacket and ties for men are typically appropriate for formal night. And finally, we’ll be announce a few “theme nights” as we get closer to cruise time, so we’ll let you know more about what else you might need.

 

We recommend that you hand-carry all your travel documents (passports, airline tickets, etc.) medications, jewelry and any personal items that you may need in a separate carry-on bag. Please do not put these items into checked luggage as they could become lost and prevent you from boarding the ship. Also, your luggage may take a few hours before it is delivered to your cabin.

 

On the last evening of your cruise your luggage will be collected for disembarkation the following morning. You may want to pack a separate overnight bag to accommodate your last evenings’ clothes and toiletries to carry off the ship with you.

What NOT to pack?

No illegal substances, no alcohol or non-alcoholic beverages, food, weapons or pets. The use of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited onboard The Liberty Ship and MSC Cruises. All US and international laws pertaining to drug use should be respected, and will be strictly enforced. Please refer to our Zero Tolerance Policy.

Zero Tolerance Policy

All Liberty Ship passengers are required to adhere to our Zero Tolerance Policy regarding the use, possession, purchase or distribution of illegal controlled substances. The Liberty Ship passengers must agree to comply with this policy and further acknowledge that any violation of this policy WILL result in disembarkation from the vessel as well as the individuals being turned over to the local law enforcement officials for appropriate legal action.

 

In addition, all you will be required to adhere to MSC’s Clean Air Policy, as it pertains to the smoking of cigarettes and cigars onboard the ship. The Liberty Ship passengers must agree to comply with this policy and further acknowledge that any violation of this policy COULD result in disembarkation from the vessel, as well as fines levied by The Liberty Ship and/or MSC Cruises.

 

The Liberty Ship and MSC Cruises will not tolerate any behavior affecting the comfort, enjoyment, health, safety or well being of other guests or the crew. The Liberty Ship and MSC Cruises reserve the right to refuse or discontinue passage to anyone who, in The Liberty Ship or MSC’s judgment, is conducting themselves in a manner that adversely affects the cruise experience of others.

 

In all cases The Liberty Ship and MSC Cruises shall not be liable for any refund or other compensation or damages.

How many pieces of luggage can I bring?

There is no limit to how many bags you can bring onboard, however storage space in cabins is limited. All carry on and checked bags will go through security. Make sure your luggage is tagged with the MSC luggage tags you will receive in your cruise packs. You will be able to obtain more at the pier.

How do I pay for things on the ship?

For your convenience, a cashless system is provided that allows you to sign for all of your onboard purchases (with the exception of the casino, The Liberty Ship event merchandise or other speaker/performer merchandise – please see below). At embarkation, you will need to present your credit or debit card (MSC accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express) to receive your MSC Cruise Card, which serves as your identification, stateroom key and charge card onboard the ship.

 

You may also open a MSC Cruise Card with a deposit of $200 ($300 for families consisting of 2 adults and 2 children), which can be made using cash or travelers checks. Personal checks and credit cards other than those listed above are not accepted. When your onboard purchases exceed your deposit, the deposit must be replenished before you can continue to make charges. If at the end of your cruise your deposit exceeds the amount of your purchases, the difference will be returned to you.

Are there ATM’s onboard?

No. There are no ATM’s onboard the Poesia. So plan ahead if you are going to gamble in the casino, or pay with cash at the The Liberty Ship merchandise store or at the port stops. You will be able to get cash advances from the Pursers office once onboard. The Liberty Ship event merchandise and other speaker/performer merchandise can be purchased with cash or by credit card.

Do I need to tip for anything during the cruise?

Gratuities for the maitre d’ and his assistants, your waiter and busboys, buffet staff, stateroom attendants, room service and bellboys will be collected and addeded to your onboard bill at the end of the cruise. Separately, a gratuity on all bar checks for your servers is included in the price of your drinks. Gratuities are not mandatory, and can be challenged/adjusted via the Accounting desk onboard; this is left to your discretion. In port terminals, airports, ports of call and on shore excursions, we suggest that you extend gratuities consistent with local customs.

Can I bring alcohol onboard?

No. Guests are prohibited from bringing any alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic beverages or any food onboard. Any alcoholic beverages purchased in the ship’s gift shops or in ports of call will be retained by MSC Cruise Lines until the end of the voyage.

How old do I have to be to drink alcohol on the cruise?

Alcoholic beverages will not be sold or served to anyone under the age of 21. The Liberty Ship and MSC reserve the right to refuse the sale of alcoholic beverages to anyone.

Can I smoke on the ship?

MSC Cruises has introduced throughout its fleet a “Clean Air” policy, which will allow both smokers and non-smokers to enjoy their holidays on board in mutual respect. There are a few areas where smokers are welcome, but the majority of indoor spaces are now non-smoking. On all MSC vessels, smoking is only allowed indoors in the Cigar Room, the Casino and in one dedicated lounge. Passengers can also smoke outside, on one side of the sun deck, but smoking is NOT allowed in cabins or on balcony cabins. The rest of the ship is therefore totally smoke-free, for the benefit of non-smokers. Please refer to our Zero Tolerance Policy.

Are special diets available?

MSC Cruises will make every effort to meet special dietary requests for vegetarian, diabetic, low fat, low-sodium, or low-cholesterol diets. Kosher meals are available for an additional charge. They are prepackaged (frozen) and must be requested in advance. For any additional dietary needs please contact us via email at: info@getThe Liberty Ship.com. Please request at the time of making your reservation and confirm with the Maitre D’ on the day of embarkation.

Is there internet service onboard?

Yes. There is an Internet Café that is open 24 hours. Wireless access will also be available in limited areas. Rates will be available onboard.

 

There is wired internet connection available in your cabin. However, you will need a Cat 5 cable in order to access this service. You may either bring your own or request one from the Reception desk on Deck 5.

Is laundry service available?

Yes. A complete laundry service on board is available for an extra charge.

Are there irons provided in the cabins?

No. Irons are NOT provided in cabins.

Are there hairdryers provided in the cabins?

Yes. Suites contain a hand held dryer, and all other cabins have a wall mounted unit in the bathroom.

Are there fitness activities available?

A fitness center and workout room with modern equipment is available. The Poesia also offers a jogging track, table tennis, swimming pools and fitness classes.

Are there activities for children on the ship?

Yes. MSC’s complimentary kid’s program is divided into three age levels:

 

MINI CLUB – 3 to 8 years old
JUNIORS CLUB – 9 to 12 years old
TEENAGERS CLUB – all teenagers

 

The MSC staff organizes activities, shows and games (Arts & Crafts, Dance, Painting Courses, Treasure Hunts, Mini-Olympics). The dedicated kids room is open to children up to ten years of age. Children under three are only permitted when accompanied by an adult who must remain with the child at all times. The kids room is available during shore excursions. The MSC Poesia has a designated children’s pool and outdoor area. The ship also features video games in an arcade. Please note that the activities vary by the number and ages of the children onboard.

Are there any babysitting services onboard?

No, MSC does not currently offer Babysitting

Are cribs and/or rollaways available?

Cribs are available. Due to maritime law, however, each cabin is capacity controlled and rollaway’s are not allowed.

Are there medical services onboard?

Yes. There is an onboard infirmary staffed by medical professionals. Medical services are provided aboard MSC’s vessels as a convenience to guests. There is a charge for services and/or medicines provided by the ship’s doctor and medical personnel. Although many injuries are capable of being treated on board, the shipboard medical infirmary has limited medical equipment and not all injuries or conditions can be adequately treated aboard the vessels. If necessary, the medical personnel may arrange for a visit to a shoreside medical facility at a port-of-call. Depending on the itinerary, available shoreside medical facilities may also have limited treatment capabilities. Due to the nature of sea travel urgent medical evacuation at sea is not always feasible due to reasons beyond MSC’s control. Guests should confer with their family physician to ensure they are fit for travel by sea. Although the ship’s doctor and medical personnel may wear uniforms or badges with an MSC insignia, the doctor and medical personnel are independent contractors. MSC does not control the medical treatment rendered to guests by the medical personnel aboard its vessels.

What kind of Shore Excursions are available?

Complete information on Shore Excursions can be found at the Purser’s desk once on board, or in advance by speaking with your The Liberty Ship agent at the time of booking.

 

PLEASE NOTE: A complete F.A.Q. for MSC Cruises USA, can be found by CLICKING HERE